Next came the hearse – an old hand-pulled, steel-wheeled express wagon formerly used in North Judson – bearing the casket – a wooden box constructed by the Norwayne Lumber Company. The casket contained Mrs. Cosmetic and Mr. Razor – a huge straight-edge specimen carved by Merth Lake. The hearse was guided by coachman, E. Ray Barker, Prosecuting Attorney of Starke County, with locomotion supplied by pall bearers – Amando Ceasar, Jim Jachim, Perry Lucas, Jr., Robert Smrt and Louis Vanek.
Following the hearse was Chief Burial Sexton, Dorwin Wobith, leading the acting clergy – Rabbi Gregg Kelly and Preacher Marvin D. Mclaughlin, Judge of the Starke Circuit Court. A host of mourners and weepers trudged over the cold pavement while the sour notes of the funeral dirge bounced off the buildings as the cortege slowly made its way North on Lane Street to Central Avenue, West to Keller Avenue and South to the high school auditorium. The entire cortege was guarded by the many uniformed members of the North Judson Volunteer Fire Department.
The casket was placed on the stage between candelabra and ferns. Flowers and wreaths were presented by Pioneer Florist Jack Vanek; Luxart – Louis and Alice Rozhon, and American Oak Preserving Co. Mrs. Robert Steffel was Decorator and draped the catafalque and surrounding area. Seated on the stage in a semi-circle behind the coffin were Joseph Mareska, Centennial General Chariman; the pall-bearers, Burial Sexton, Rabbi Kelly, Preacher McLaughlin, and chief mourners, Mrs. Perry Lucas, Jr., Mrs. Robert Steffel and Mrs. William Button.
The General Chairman opened with several announcements concerning the dance to follow and other Centennial events. Judge McLaughlin then delivered the funeral oration, the solemnity of which was exceeded only by the hilarity of its content and the promptness of the boys in the “A-men” corner to respond. (You can read the speech at Speech at burial of Muggs & Clara). The sermon was a parody on Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, Longfellow’s Village Blacksmith, Mark Anthony’s burial address for Julius Caesar by Shakespeare, and other witticisms. Perry Lucas, Jr. sang a solo which plucked the heartstrings of the assemblage. The song, written for the occasion by Mr. Lamoine Williams – Guidance Director of the North Judson High School – was entitled “We’re shaving tonight for the very last time” – and was a parody on “Tenting Tonight.” Mrs. William was the accompanist.
As the tears were mopped-up, so that the steps would not be too slippery, all mourners passed the casket, paid their lasts respects, and laid their razors and cosmetics to rest in the casket.
The cortege then reassembled and proceeded south to the intersection of Keller Avenue and Main Street where the burial ceremony was conducted and the interment made in the lawn of the fire house. Such ceremony was under the direction of the Burial Sexton, Dorwin Wobith, with orations by himself and Rabbi Kelly who lamented the financial loss caused by the passing of these loved ones.
It was truly a touching ceremony as all stood with bowed heads and hats in hand while little children strewed precious flowers on the graves.
The VFW Post in Knox will be on watch leading up to Memorial Day, and they’re inviting the public to pay their respects.
A LaPorte County native has been named to the Democratic Party’s ticket as a candidate for Indiana Lt. Governor.
The opening of a walk-in clinic in Knox may have increased immediate access to medical care for Starke County residents.
A Valparaiso resident has declared his candidacy for Indiana’s 5
The Starke County Council has scheduled a special meeting to try to get a handle on expenses related to jail operations. They deferred Sheriff Bill Dulin’s request for an additional appropriation until they can take a closer look at things like utility costs for the building. It’s been open for a year, and extensive studies were done beforehand to project costs. The council should have findings from an energy audit in time for their scheduled June 13
Older Hoosiers aren’t signing up for federal food assistance programs, but many are going to local food banks for help each month. Statistics indicate 13 percent of Indiana’s food-bank clients are more than 60 years old. The National Council on Aging has an effort under way to close the “SNAP Gap.” More than 40 percent of seniors eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program have not applied, and the numbers are even lower in the Hoosier State. Emily Weikert Bryant of Feeding Indiana’s Hungry says many seniors aren’t getting healthy food they need because they just can’t afford it. She says 77 percent purchase cheaper, unhealthy food because it’s what they can afford. Additionally half are getting help from family and friends, and about a quarter of Hoosiers 60 and older are gardening or growing food in a community garden to offset their needs.
The Starke County Commissioners this week decided to go with a less expensive, four-furnace heating and cooling system for the courthouse as part of the upcoming building renovation project. Commissioner Kathy Norem says the proposed scope of work includes regulator replacement.